What is toll? Pronunciation and usage in English

toll means . Learn how to pronounce and use toll through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of toll

tollnoun

/təʊl//təʊl/

The word "toll" in English is pronounced tohl.

Here's a breakdown to help you:

  • tohl: The "t" is a regular "t" sound. The "ohl" is like the sound in "bowl" or "roll."

You can also hear it pronounced here: https://www.merriam-Webster.com/audio/pronunciation/toll

Do you want me to explain any of the sounds in more detail, or perhaps give you a few other words with similar sounds to practice?

Usage and examples with the word toll in English

The word "toll" has several different meanings in English! Here's a breakdown of how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Fee (Most Common Usage)

  • Meaning: A payment made for the use of a bridge, road, or other service.
  • Examples:
    • "We had to pay a toll to cross the bridge."
    • "The harbor entrance has a daily toll."
    • "Some historic roads still charge a toll."
  • Grammar: Usually used with “to” (e.g., “pay a toll”).

2. As a Burden or Distress (Figurative)

  • Meaning: Something that causes difficulty, sadness, or worry. This is a more figurative use of the word.
  • Examples:
    • "The illness placed a heavy toll on her health." (Meaning: It caused her a great burden and worried her a lot.)
    • "The war took a terrible toll on the country's resources." (Meaning: It depleted the country's resources severely.)
    • "His demanding job took a huge toll on his family life." (Meaning: It caused significant problems and stress in his family life.)
  • Grammar: Often used with “on” (e.g., “take a toll,” “place a toll”).

3. As a Sound (Less Common)

  • Meaning: A distinctive sound, often a bell.
  • Examples:
    • "The church bells rang out the toll of ten o'clock." (Referring to the mournful sound of a bell.)
    • "The lifeboat sounded the toll to warn of an incoming storm."

4. (Rare) As a Passage or Route

  • Meaning: A path, route, or passage, often used in medieval contexts.
  • Example: "The castle had a secret toll leading to the underground tunnels." (A secret passage or route). This usage is far less common today.

Here's a table summarizing the uses:

Meaning Example
Fee “Pay the toll to enter.”
Burden/Distress “The news took a heavy toll.”
Sound “The toll of the bells.”
Passage/Route “A secret toll to the gate.”

Tips for Using "Toll":

  • Context is key: The meaning of "toll" is usually clear from the context of the sentence.
  • Figurative vs. Literal: Be mindful of whether you're using it literally (a fee) or figuratively (a burden).
  • Synonyms: If you're struggling to find the right word, consider synonyms like cost, burden, impact, sacrifice, or price.

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What is the context in which you want to use the word "toll"? (e.g., Are you writing a story, describing a historical event, or just wanting to learn the word?)

Synonyms for the word toll

Idioms of the word toll

take a heavy toll (on somebody/something) | take its toll (on somebody/something)
to have a bad effect on somebody/something; to cause a lot of damage, deaths, pain, etc.
  • Illness had taken a heavy toll on her.
  • The recession is taking its toll on the housing markets.
  • The pressure of fame can take a terrible toll.

Practice with vocabulary toll

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The recent economic downturn began to take a heavy _____ on small businesses across the nation.
  2. Users of the new express lane must pay an additional _____ during peak hours.
  3. Many online services now charge a monthly subscription _____ for premium access.
  4. The consultant's presentation effectively highlighted the significant long-term _____ of climate change on agricultural productivity.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (multiple correct answers may apply)

  1. Which of the following can describe the negative consequences or accumulated damage resulting from sustained effort or hardship? a) toll b) burden c) strain d) benefit
  2. What might a government impose on imported goods to regulate trade or generate revenue? a) duty b) tariff c) toll d) subsidy
  3. Drivers are often required to pay a _____ to use certain private roads, bridges, or tunnels. a) fare b) fee c) toll d) fine
  4. The new regulations aim to _____ the environmental damage caused by industrial waste. a) mitigate b) exacerbate c) amplify d) alleviate
  5. Which terms refer to a sum of money paid for a service, privilege, or a minor offense? a) charge b) refund c) fee d) fine

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The persistent economic challenges have significantly affected the well-being of many families. Rewrite: The persistent economic challenges have taken a significant _____ on the well-being of many families.
  2. Commuters arriving late must pay an additional charge to exit the car park. Rewrite: Commuters arriving late must pay an additional _____ to exit the car park.
  3. The city council decided to impose a new tax on sugary drinks to promote public health. Rewrite: The city council decided to implement a new _____ on sugary drinks to promote public health.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. toll
  2. toll
  3. fee
  4. impact (or effect)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) toll, b) burden, c) strain
  2. a) duty, b) tariff
  3. b) fee, c) toll
  4. a) mitigate, d) alleviate
  5. a) charge, c) fee, d) fine

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The persistent economic challenges have taken a significant toll on the well-being of many families.
  2. Commuters arriving late must pay an additional toll to exit the car park.
  3. The city council decided to implement a new levy on sugary drinks to promote public health.

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